INTERPOL Adopts Resolution to Combat Growing Threat of Global Scam Centres

The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has adopted a resolution at its General Assembly to confront the growing threat of transnational scam centres — criminal hubs tied to large‑scale fraud, human trafficking, and abuse.

Victims are often lured with promises of lucrative overseas jobs, only to be trafficked into compounds where they are forced to run illicit schemes. These include voice phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency scams targeting people worldwide.

The resolution, proposed by the Republic of Korea, warns that criminals are increasingly using advanced technologies to deceive victims and conceal their operations. The highly adaptive nature of these cross‑border networks, it says, demands a coordinated global response.

INTERPOL’s key recommendations include:

• Real‑time intelligence sharing to track perpetrators, locations, and methods.
• Multinational joint operations under INTERPOL’s coordination.
• Targeting illicit financing and assets linked to scam networks.
• Standardized emergency protocols to locate, rescue, and repatriate victims, alongside expanded victim support.
• Global awareness campaigns focused on vulnerable groups such as youths and job seekers.

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza stressed the urgency of collective action: “To effectively counter these criminal networks, we must strengthen collaboration, improve information sharing and move forward with coordinated, decisive action.”

He added that INTERPOL is committed to supporting the resolution’s implementation and working with member countries to dismantle scam centres and protect those most at risk.

As reported in September, INTERPOL successfully recovered $439 million in a financial crime crackdown spanning 40 countries and regions.